Unsung heroes in the spotlight

FEDERAL Member for Barker Tony Pasin MP today recognised more than 30 outstanding Limestone Coast volunteers through the 2026 Barker Volunteer Awards presentation ceremony held at the Blue Lake Golf Club as part of National Volunteer Week.

Mr Pasin said the awards celebrated the volunteers who quietly give their time, skills and energy to support local communities across the Limestone Coast.

“Volunteers are the heart of communities across Barker and today was an opportunity to recognise and thank some of the outstanding people who make the Limestone Coast such a strong and connected community,” Mr Pasin said.

“Whether it is supporting sporting clubs, schools, churches, service organisations, community events or helping people through difficult times, volunteers help make our communities great places to live, work and raise a family.”

Mr Pasin said more than 130 nominations had been received across Barker this year, with 30 Limestone Coast volunteers recognised during today’s presentation in Mount Gambier.

“The number of nominations received again this year highlights the enormous contribution volunteers make right across our region,” he said.

“At a time when many Australians are facing increasing cost of living pressures and rising fuel costs, volunteers continue to step up and support others with generosity, compassion and commitment.”

Mr Pasin said volunteers were often on the frontline in regional communities during times of crisis.

“In regional communities volunteers are often the people fighting bushfires, supporting drought affected families, helping after road accidents or simply checking in on neighbours doing it tough,” he said.

“This year’s National Volunteer Week theme is ‘Your Year to Volunteer’ and it is a timely reminder of the enormous difference volunteers make in communities across Australia.”

Mr Pasin said this year marked the twelfth year of the Barker Volunteer Awards.

“These awards are a small way of saying thank you to the people who give so much of themselves to strengthen our communities and support others,” he said.